Just then Aunt Lucy came up the steps laden with roses, for it was June, the month of the beautiful queen of flowers. Mrs. Allen took particular pains to cultivate with her own hands, all varieties of red roses, from deep crimson to the brilliant Jacqueminot, so that she could always have a bouquet to send to the Church every Sunday and Friday, during the month of the Sacred Heart, besides keeping her own little altar well supplied. "Oh, Auntie, dear!" said Amy, "I'm so happy! Bo says I'm to have a party." "Well, yes, darling; you know you will be seven on the 21st, so Mamma and I want to make you happy because you have always tried to be a good obedient little girl." "Thank you, thank you, auntie," and Amy gave Aunt Lucy a big hug and kiss. "May I carry the roses to the Oratory auntie, dear?" "Yes, Child, but I must go too, for I forgot to light the lamp before the picture of the Sacred Heart, and it should never be extinguished during this month." While arranging the altar Amy began with her usual string of questions, which were always listened to, and answered, for Mrs. Allen and her sister never allowed themselves to be "too busy to talk to children." "Auntie, why do we burn lamps before statues and holy pictures? Mollie Lane asked me that question when she was in here yesterday, and I did not know how to explain, then she laughed and said it was so funny to have artificial light in the day time." "My dear, we burn lamps and candles on the altar for several reasons, which it would take too long to tell you just now; when you are older, I will give you a little book called "Sacramentals," which explains all about the lights on our altars, the use of holy water, blessed palm, the crucifix, etc. For the present it suffices to tell any one who questions you that the lamp in our Oratory is kept burning as a mark of respect towards the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and besides it is a pretty ornament." What a bower of loveliness, peace and rest was the little hall-room which Mrs. Allen set apart as a "Holy of Holies" for her household. A subdued light glimmered through the latticed windows, which also admitted the soft summer air that wafted the fragrance of flowers over the family, as they knelt at their devotion. There was time to pray in that house, and although its head was not a Catholic, he approved of his family living up to all they professed; in fact he was proud of the little tabernacle in his house, and frequently, when he had visitors, invited them upstairs to see the Oratory. While Aunt Lucy and Amy were occupied, Bolax went out to the stable hoping Pat, the hired man, would talk to him; but Pat had gone to the village on an errand, then Bo came back to the house and called for his Mamma. As mother did not respond immediately he screamed as loud as he could: "Ma, dear! Ma, dear!" Mrs. Allen opened her door and asked why he spoke in such a disagreeable tone of voice.